Go Direct® Photogate (GDX-VPG)
Specifications and User Guide
TROUBLESHOOTING
- Primary Test: Is the unit powered on or connected to a USB power source?
- Secondary Test: Connect the Photogate to the data-collection program. Confirm that the Photogate has been identified by the program, and then use your hand to block and unblock the gate to confirm that the Photogate is working.
- If the Photogate is not working with your Picket Fence, make sure that the protective plastic covering the picket fence has been removed.
RELATED TIL ENTRIES
- How do I set up a Go Direct Photogate to collect data using LabQuest App?
- How do I set up a Go Direct Photogate to collect data using Graphical Analysis or Graphical Analysis Pro?
- How do I set up Go Direct Photogate for data collection in a projectile motion experiment?
- How do you measure acceleration using Go Direct Photogates (GDX-VPG)?
- How can I use Go Direct Photogates (GDX-VPG) to time the Science Olympiad Scrambler event?
- What is the timing precision of photogate measurements?
- Can I use a photogate to record animal movements?
- How can I use a photogate to count events?
- What nut size will work the the accessory rod that comes with photogates and force sensors?
- Why does my data table have holes (empty cells) in it?
- Can I use a photogate to measure the muzzle velocity from a gun or air cannon?
- How do I collect data using a Motion Encoder and a photogate simultaneously?
- Can you trigger a photogate with a green laser?
- Can I measure g with a photogate and Time of Flight Pad?
- Graphical Analysis photogate settings revert to Vernier Picket Fence settings, causing incorrect distance and velocity data.
Vernier Photogate with Picket Fence:
- How can I use a Vernier Photogate to measure g?
- How can I compare my g measurements to a local value and improve their accuracy?
- Why does my photogate record a really high velocity at the beginning of a trial with a picket fence?
- Why is my picket fence blue and black instead of clear and black?
- How do I measure motion with a photogate using the Vernier Cart Picket Fence?
- Does the Pasco picket fence work the same as the Vernier picket fence?
- What are the dimensions of the cart picket fence?
- Why does the Cart Picket Fence edge get detected by a photogate?
SPECIFICATIONS
- Infrared source: Peak at 880 nm
- Output is high and LED off for unblocked gate
- Output is low and LED on for blocked gate
CALIBRATION
- It is not necessary to calibrate this sensor.
BATTERY TROUBLESHOOTING
If the sensor can be turned on when connected by USB but not when disconnected from USB, it is likely that the battery just needs to be charged. In this case, charge the sensor for several hours and try again. If, however, the sensor won’t turn on regardless of whether the USB cable is connected or not, and you are confident that the USB cable is good by having tested it on another sensor, then the battery has likely reached its end of life and can no longer hold a charge. In this state, the sensor cannot be used even if connected by USB, so the battery will need to be replaced. The rechargeable battery in this sensor is covered by a one year warranty but should last two to five years in typical use. Note that if the battery is less than one year old and the sensor cannot be turned on even when connected by a working USB cable, another possibility is that the USB port is bad. In this case, contact Vernier technical support for assistance.
RELATED VERNIER PRODUCTS
- Ultra Pulley Attachment (SPA)
- Picket Fence (PF)
- Cart Picket Fence (PF-CART)
- Bar Tape (TAPE)
- Laser Pointer (LASER)
- Laser Pointer Stand (STAND)
- Go Direct® 300 mAh Replacement Battery (GDX-BAT-300)
- Micro USB Cable (CB-USB-MICRO), included
- Micro USB to USB-C Cable (CB-USB-C-MICRO)
- Go Direct® Photogate Timing Cable (VPG-CB-GDX)
- Go Direct® Time of Flight Pad Cable (TOF-CB-GDX)